Description
This one pan chicken sausage and orzo recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender Italian chicken sausage with creamy orzo, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this comforting dish cooks up in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 oz) package mild Italian chicken sausage (about 4 sausages), cut into 1” chunks
- 2 cups dry orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth (or chicken bone broth for extra protein)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup canned full fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 oz baby spinach
For Serving (Optional)
- Crushed red pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 cup chopped yellow onion and 4 cloves minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the chicken sausage: Add the 12 oz package of mild Italian chicken sausage pieces to the skillet. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is golden brown and cooked through.
- Toast the orzo: Add 2 cups dry orzo to the pan. Toss and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast the orzo, enhancing its flavor.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, ½ cup canned full fat coconut milk, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the orzo: Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add spinach and Parmesan: Stir in 5 oz baby spinach and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the dish, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired for a bit of heat.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute coconut milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Use chicken bone broth instead of regular chicken broth for added protein and richer flavor.
- Feel free to swap mild Italian chicken sausage with spicy sausage for a kick.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa.
- To save time, you can prepare the sausage ahead and refrigerate before adding it to the recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
